On Friday, May 17th, Bruce Springsteen dropped the second song from his upcoming solo album, Western Stars, and it revealed a whole different gear from the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.
Springsteen’s first new studio album in more than five years — and 19th overall — will be released on June 14 by Columbia Records. The collection draws inspiration from the Southern California pop records of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. It was primarily recorded at Springsteen’s home studio in New Jersey, with additional recording in California and New York.
The emotional ode to a love that slipped away also harkens back to the girl group era, with a simple lyrical style and unfussy verses that project heartache over gently strummed guitars and a Wall of Sound-style arrangement.
“There goes my miracle/ Walkin’ away, walkin’ away,” Springsteen croons on the song’s swaying chorus, backed by lush Burt Bacharach-style strings. The Boss sings in a higher register than we’re used to hearing from him, Springsteen trades his gravely tone for a clear tenor in the vein of The Caruso of Rock, the late Roy Orbison, on the soaring “There Goes My Miracle.”
“Moonlight, moon bright/ Where’s my lucky star tonight?/ Streets lost in lamp light/ Then suddenly in sight/ Suddenly in sight,” Springsteen sings as an angelic chorus rises up behind him.
“This record is a return to my solo recordings featuring character driven songs and sweeping, cinematic orchestral arrangements,” said Springsteen in a statement. “It’s a jewel box of a record.”
Listen to the new single here.
—
Photo Credit: Antonio Scorza / Shutterstock.com